Heading back to SAHM life and a little scared...

Morgan - posted on 06/12/2012
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I was a SAHM when my kids were smaller, and then Hubby and I separated for almost 4 years. We've decided to get back together, and I'm happily leaving the working world (as a tattoo artist) to be a SAHM again. My kids are 10 and 7, and this is the first summer ever that I haven't worked since they've been in school. A little scared about the boredom factor, and the driving-me-crazy factor, so any advice or tips are greatly appreciated!

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Mary - posted on 06/13/2012

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The above response from Catherine Collins could write a book. Such fun suggestion for the summer. I would add going to county museums, local beaches, local farms where you can pick your own fruit and having friends over to your home are both fun and inexpensive. I loved history so visiting museums was my favorite and these were our day trips. My children also inherited my love of history. There are many leagues for baseball, tennis or other activities offered through City Park and Recreation departments.

I live not far from a small town where there is a local pool. This town takes us back to the days where you could feel ok with letting your kids ride their bike around town. I think these moms have it made since all the kids in town go their daily to meet their friends and swim and it cost just $50.00 dollars for the season. This is rare to be able to do this in today’s world.

I also believe the "bored" days are not a bad thing. We live in a society where we are on the go and it is good to slow down during the summer.

Kids count down the days the days till summer, eager to trade their book bags for flip -flops with carefree abandon. But it's not long before Moms everywhere hear the dreaded words, "I'm bored. There's nothing to do." Here are some neat ideas to help beat the summer slump without putting a major beating on your wallet.

1. Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt

Have kids scour the neighborhood for specific items on a checklist (a house with green shutters, a bush with pink flowers, a chestnut, etc.). You might want to let kids use a digital camera to snap photos of their finds. Create your own list or download a list.

2. Cheap Flicks

Many theaters have a summer movie program for kids. Movies are shown early in the day at reduced rates. Check with your local theater or click on the link for Cinemark's Summer Movie Clubhouse.http://www.cinemark.com/summer-movie-clu...

3. Free Bowling

Kids Bowl Free is a great program that offers kids two free games of bowling each day during the summer. There are many bowling alleys throughout the country that take part in this program. Check out this link to see if a center near you participates in the program.http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

4. Get Crafty

Take a trip to the craft store to stock up on beads to create jewelry or wood to make birdhouses. Then let your kids sell their crafts at a local flea market. Creative kids can make terrific entrepreneurs.

5. Family Yard Sale

Your kids can clean out their closets and toy boxes, while finding items to sell. Have them design yard sale signs, posters, and price tags. They might also want to set up a lemonade stand during the big day. Your kids' rooms will be less cluttered and their piggy banks will be a little fuller.

6. Backyard Water Park

No pool? No sweat! Squirt guns, water balloons, and sprinklers can convert your yard into a water park. Make a "car wash" by letting the kids ride their bikes through the sprinkler. These ideas are sure to make a splash.

7. Visit the Library

Many libraries have summer reading programs for kids. They can rack up prizes for reading books, while participating in fun activities. Check with your local library for details.

8. Lap the Mall

Malls aren't just for shopping. Grab your sneakers and head to the mall with your kiddos. See how many laps you can do around the mall. Challenge your kids to set a weekly goal. It's a great place to get a little exercise on a rainy summer day.

9. Go High Tech

Have your kids use the computer to design their own cards, stationary, or calendars. Most personal computers come equipped with a desk top publisher program. Kids can get creative with different graphics and fonts, adding digital photos to personalize their designs. They can create thoughtful gifts for friends or relatives.

10. Lend a Hand

Helping others is a valuable way to spend time. Kids can make cards for residents at a nursing home, create care packages for soldiers, or help an elderly neighbor carry groceries. Even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Don't let your kids turn into video game junkies during summer break. Instead have them try some of these some fun and productive ideas to make the most of their summer break.

I signed my kids up for free bowling. Can't wait for my 3 year old to bowl!